16 Spots Left - Franschhoek Berg River Dam to Assaigaaibos Kloof, Seeking the "Blushing Bride"

Please Can you share, this Unique Nature Experience - [Latest Update 14 Going – 16 x Spots Left - Booking Essential] – Soulful Franschhoek Berg River Dam via Frankryk River Gorge to Asssegaaibos Kloof Trail that leads towards the Panorama Trail in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, as we seek the endangered "Blushing Bride" . On offer will be cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas along the Trail. Along the way, hikers will enjoy sweeping views over the Berg River Dam, framed by dramatic sandstone formations and pristine fynbos.


Assegaaibos Kloof is a critically important conservation area, as it is one of the last remaining natural habitats for the Blushing Bride (Serruria florida), a rare and endangered protea species


One of the highlights of this trail is our quest to spot the elusive and endangered Blushing Bride (Serruria florida), a rare Proteaceae species native to this region. August to September is an ideal time to witness its delicate blooms nestled among the rugged slopes. The landscape along our trail is rich with geological intrigue. Marvel at the jagged quartzite spires of Bushmans Teeth, the commanding presence of Bushmans Castle, and the towering summit of Franschhoekpiek (1,747 m), each offering a unique window into the ancient story of the Cape Fold Mountains.


Sunday – 10th of August 2025 @ 8.30am - [14.85km] - Finishing time of walk @ approx. 4.30pm. IF KEEN TO JOIN, YOU CAN MESSAGE ME ON aWFpbiB8IGF3YWtlbmluZy1pbnR1aXRpb24gISBjb20=, or you can call me or WhatsApp me on - 072 327 2840 --- Wherever possible, I aim to offer you hiking trails that you might not have previously discovered, all while ensuring the safety of a group experience.


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Trail Distance - [14.85] -- The map above also gives you an idea of the route gradient for the trail. ==> TRAIL MAP ROUTE – https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5605990.html


Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer for the Sundays Hike - https://tinyurl.com/mr35nn4t - If using your phone, you can zoom into the trail or even rotate the view of the trail to give you a better idea of the trail on offer.


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So, if we are lucky, we might be able to see the Serruria Florida - http://pza.sanbi.org/serruria-florida - which is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae, endemic to South Africa. It is known by the common names of blushing bride or pride of Franschhoek. This species grows to between 0.8 and 1.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width. They are found in the It occurs in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve and some of these can be seen in the base of Berg River Neck. The last Time that we did this section of the Berg River Dam was back in October 2020


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Please ensure that you will be on time for the meeting point and that you can commit to the ending time of the hiking trail before you join. This is for your safety reasons, since we will all be leaving and returning as a group together. As an added measure of protection, on every walk, we have at least 3-5 two-way radios in the group to ensure that everyone is accounted for at all times.


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Ample time has been allocated to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature on this day. The anticipated conclusion of the walk is 4.30pm. It is important to note that this is an approximate time, so it is recommended not to plan any other activities immediately after the walk. Although I make every effort to adhere to the estimated schedule, unforeseen circumstances may arise that could potentially delay our return.


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LIFT SHARING TO MEETING POINT OF TRAIL ON OFFER, WITH A WHATSAPP GROUP, BEFORE EVENT
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“Meeting Point is located about 65min from Central Cape Town CBD”

Wherever possible, there will be lift transport sharing options, to save on petrol costs in getting to the start of the hiking trail.


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ORGANISED GROUP HIKE COST AS LISTED BELOW
COST: R70.00 Per Person for the organised walk or you can do a EFT

@ Please note that unfortunately no dogs are allowed on any of the walks that are on offer


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FITNESS REQUIRED & TYPE OF TRAIL
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On offer will be a SUITABLE INTERMEDIATE - BEGINNER - WALK, with some rocky downhill sections in place. If you can walk half way up Lion’s Head you can manage this route. The pace won't be rushed. However if you are new to the group and have any doubt of your fitness, due to the terrain or duration, please call and I can advise accordingly. With the extra time allocated, there will still be lots of time for pictures and to enjoy this beautiful part of our country ;-) – if you need to ask me any questions about the walk, you can call me or whatsapp me on - 072 327 2840

This trail will offer a unique chance to experience this trail and explore its beautiful surroundings, not to mention, connecting with like-minded people.


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DETAILED FULL WALK DESCRIPTION ON OFFER
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This scenic trail that begins at the parking area adjacent to the Berg River Dam, a remarkable engineering marvel constructed between 2004 and 2007. Situated just 500 meters beyond the renowned La Roche Wine Estate, on the outskirts of Franschhoek, at the base of the imposing Middle Berg, this trail serves as a gateway to some of the Western Cape's lesser-known hiking trails amidst breathtaking landscapes around the Berg River Dam.


The Initial Route follows the jeep track northeast toward Robertsvlei Road. This flat, wide path offers views of the dam’s turquoise waters and the Middle Berg Mountain foothills. We continue Along the Berg River Dam (Banks Trail) and then Turn left onto a narrower trail hugging the eastern banks of the dam.


We will then cross over the Berg River via a bridge, signalling your transition onto the Flight of the Fish Eagle Trail. This crossing provides a moment to pause and admire the sweeping vistas, ideal for capturing a photo or indulging in quiet reflection. The name of this section alludes to the possibility of witnessing fish eagles soaring above, adding a touch of wild majesty to the experience.


This segment of the trail offers stunning views of the Berg River, Wolwekloof, and the Drakenstein Mountain. The river in this gorge flows continuously throughout the year.
The trail follows the Berg River into the Heart of Assaigaaibos Kloof. Assegaaibos Kloof, nestled in the mountains above the Berg River Dam near Franschhoek, is a remote and rugged ravine that offers a deeply immersive wilderness experience. It’s part of the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve, and forms a vital section of the Berg River catchment, where the river itself originates.


Our Lunch Break will be along the Berg River. On our return route you will be treated to striking views towards Assaigaaibosch, where the landscape is adorned with unique formations. Marvel at the intriguing peaks of Franschhoekpiek (1,747m), Bushmans Teeth (jagged quartzite peaks resembling teeth), and Bushmans Castle (a prominent rock formation).


The journey continues as we retrace our steps via the Berg River, exiting the gorge and following the river downstream on a gentler trail. For the final stretch of the trail, we reunite with the dam's banks trail, retracing our steps back to the parking area.


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SOME HIGH-LIGHTS TO BE EXPERIENCED IN THE ASSEGAAIBOS KLOOF ON SUNDAYS HIKE
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Assegaaibos Kloof along the Berg River is characterized by a rich tapestry of montane fynbos, primarily comprising Proteoid, Ericaceous, and Restioid types. The steep sandstone slopes support dense stands of Protea species, while the moist, shaded ravines are home to a diversity of Erica heaths and geophytes. Restios dominate the stream edges and seep zones, forming reed-like clusters that thrive in wetter soils. This kloof’s unique microclimate—fed by winter rainfall and mist—creates ideal conditions for a high diversity of endemic flora, making it a vibrant ecological niche within the Cape Floristic Region.


Assegaaibos Kloof is a critically important conservation area, as it is one of the last remaining natural habitats for the Blushing Bride (Serruria florida), a rare and endangered protea species.


Geography of Assegaaibos Kloof. The kloof is steep-sided and carved into quartzite ridges, with dramatic peaks like Bushmans Teeth and Franschhoekpiek nearby. It’s a transitional zone between high-altitude fynbos and riparian forest.

Landscapes of Assegaaibos Kloof: Dramatic kloof walls, waterfall-fed side valleys, and panoramic views from the ridge crest at Bergriviersnek.


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WHAT IS ON OFFER DURING THE HIKE
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What is on offer is a soulful nature experience with like-minded people, with lots of extra time allocated to breaks to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, a morning tea break on route, our lunch break and quiet time out in nature for reflection on our return route after lunchtime permitting.


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DIRECTIONS FROM CAPE TOWN
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WHEN LEAVING, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE DIRECTIONS WITH YOU


Take the R45 to Franschhoek, drive through Main Road to T-junction opposite Huguenot monument. Turn right at the T-junction, drive 400 metres and turn right again just before Robertsvlei road. Follow the Road that goes past the La Roche Wine Estate and parallel to the Robertsvlei road to the end and you will see a open gate and parking area on a grassy field.


IF IN DOUBT USE THE LINK BELOW ON YOUR GOOGLE MAPS TO GET TO THE LOCATION


Please give yourself extra time, as people often underestimate the travelling time in getting there. It’s about 65min travelling time from the City Central Cape Town Or to check where you are coming from see link - https://tinyurl.com/yc3yzpm9

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